candid reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "candid reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an honest answer to a question. For example: I asked him how he felt about his job and he gave me a candid reply.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"All champions are arrogant," was his candid reply.

The Guardian - Sport

His strong, candid letter, plus our equally candid reply, turned out to be one of the most effective airings to date on this sensitive issue.

Harvard Business Review

When Michele Bachmann was asked during a television interview last week whether she thought higher unemployment would increase her chances of winning the presidency, she gave an unexpectedly candid reply: "I hope so".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And when asked what that made him feel, he is candid enough to reply: "Joy".

The Guardian

An often repeated question is "What are our chances Alun?" to which Cardiff's longest serving MP replies: "I'll be candid with you.

The Guardian

But, to anyone who had followed Carroll's career, and knew about his problems with the newspaper's owners, the reply was in fact candid.

The New Yorker

His reply was a remarkably candid and perfectly compressed explanation of why the Louima case has become such a powerful symbol for many people.

The New York Times

In his reply, Franklin was exceedingly candid about his own frustration with Adams, saying, "It was from his particular indiscretion alone, and not from any instructions received by him, that he has given such just cause of displeasure".

The New York Times

He replied in a characteristically candid letter.

The New York Times

The replacement center would always reply, with a fine show of candid puzzlement, that nobody there had ever heard of anyone named Brubeck.

The New Yorker

For all its self-justifying tone, the letter was more candid on a personal level, and in my reply I asked Omar to describe how he had felt when he shot the man in the marketplace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "candid reply" when you want to emphasize that someone has given an honest and straightforward answer, even if it may be blunt or revealing.

Common error

While "candid reply" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "frank answer" or "honest response" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "candid reply" functions as an adjective-noun pair, where 'candid' modifies 'reply'. It serves to describe the nature of the response given, emphasizing its honesty and straightforwardness. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is usable in written English, denoting an honest answer.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "candid reply" is a phrase used to describe an honest and straightforward answer, as affirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and usable, it is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and business contexts. Related phrases like "frank answer" and "honest response" can serve as alternatives to prevent repetition. When using "candid reply", ensure the context aligns with its emphasis on sincerity and directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frank answer

This emphasizes straightforwardness and lack of hesitation in the answer.

honest response

This highlights the truthfulness and sincerity of the response.

forthright answer

This suggests a direct and unambiguous response.

straightforward response

This focuses on the clarity and simplicity of the answer.

open answer

This implies transparency and a willingness to share information.

unreserved response

This conveys a sense of openness and honesty without holding back.

truthful statement

This highlights the accuracy and veracity of what was said.

sincere answer

This emphasizes the genuineness and authenticity of the response.

direct response

Focuses on the immediacy and lack of indirectness in the answer.

plain answer

This stresses the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the answer.

FAQs

How can I use "candid reply" in a sentence?

You can use "candid reply" to describe an honest and straightforward answer. For example: "When asked about the company's financial struggles, the CEO gave a "candid reply"."

What can I say instead of "candid reply"?

You can use alternatives like "frank answer", "honest response", or "forthright answer" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "candid reply"?

It's appropriate to use "candid reply" when you want to emphasize the honesty and directness of an answer, particularly when the answer might be considered blunt or revealing. It fits well in news reporting, personal narratives, and certain business communications.

What is the difference between "candid reply" and "cordial reply"?

"Candid reply" refers to an honest and straightforward answer, even if potentially blunt. "Cordial reply" refers to a polite and friendly answer, regardless of its complete honesty. The former focuses on truthfulness, while the latter emphasizes politeness.